#TimesAreChanging

As we were putting together this issue, the Olympic Games were revving up in Sochi, Russia. For the first time that I can remember, we were getting our news of what was going on before the games even started from Twitter. Journalists were tweeting complaints about their hotel rooms not being ready, and one bobsled athlete even tweeted a photo of himself after breaking through a jammed hotel bathroom door, inspiring hashtags like #SochiFails and #SochiProblems. On a more positive note, we saw tweets from athletes encouraging their peers and sharing their excitement about being at such a grand event with hashtags like

#Sochi2014 and #Olympics. Whatever they were tweeting or posting about, one thing became very clear - social media is here to stay, and has forever changed the way we perceive the world and get our news.

For that reason, we’ve included a special section about social media in this month’s issue with an overview of some of the most popular social media sites. Columnist Barry Moltz also shares some of the most common social media mistakes and how to remedy them.

Since this is our technology issue, you’ll also find a plethora of solid information to help you decide where and how to improve your store’s digital presence as well as upgrade your systems. Check it out starting on page 17 with an overview of the topics covered in the section.

Interest in new technology is strong in the horticulture industry, as we saw at the NextLevel conference in New Orleans. Nursery Management editor Kelli Rodda and I hosted two iPad training sessions during the conference, and they were well-attended. Some attendees wanted to know which apps to use, while others were more interested in tricks for using your iPad or tablet more effectively. Stay tuned for more information on additional iPad training to be held at an upcoming industry event this summer.

As you dive into this world of news delivered via social media and innovative new technology, don’t forget about the importance of the little, non-technology-related actions this spring: greeting customers with a warm smile, making eye contact, taking the time to call someone instead of just emailing, and disconnecting from your devices once in a while. After all, technology is nothing without the people behind it.

Wishing you a balanced spring,

kvarga@gie.net